http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/ Knowledge@Wharton is an online resource that offers the latest business insights, information, and research from a variety of sources. Content includes analysis of current business trends, interviews with industry leaders and faculty, articles based on the most recent business research, book reviews, conference and seminar reports, and links to other websites. en-us Copyright (c) 2012 The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/no_pic.gif http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/faculty/ 125 45 Wharton Faculty Research Human Resources http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2931&source=rss As economic malaise bleeds into another New Year, many employers are making hard-nosed decisions about benefits and compensation. That means salaries remain flat, health care premiums are up, the 401(k) match has disappeared and bonuses are smaller or nonexistent. The result, not surprisingly, is a dissatisfied workforce. Yet, as Wharton professors and other experts warn, excess frugality on employers' part could backfire in the long run. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:33:22 EST Human Resources http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2851&source=rss With millions of people looking for employment, the workplace these days is an increasingly unhealthy environment for those who still have, and are trying to keep, their jobs. One key reason -- a stagnant economy that reduces the leverage employees have when they attempt to negotiate improved working conditions, move up in their organization or find better jobs outside the company. What can employees do to make their workplaces less toxic? Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:16:47 EST Human Resources http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2800&source=rss Until recently, most discussions of perks focused on what high-tech companies in Silicon Valley were offering their employees, from free gourmet meals and yoga classes to massage therapy and auto detailing. But these days, many companies are simultaneously trying to shake off the recession, keep costs low, retain valued employees and recruit talented new ones. Perks, if designed well, can help achieve these goals.  Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:58:47 EST Finance and Investment http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2741&source=rss Bonuses and stock options often improve performance. But they can also lead to unethical behavior, fuel turnover and foster envy and discontent. In this opinion piece, Wharton management professors Adam Grant and Jitendra Singh argue that it is time to cut back on money as a chief motivational force in business. Instead, they say, employers should pay greater attention to intrinsic motivation. That means designing jobs that provide opportunities to make choices, develop skills, do work that matters and build meaningful interpersonal connections. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:28 EST Leadership and Change http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2638&source=rss Conventional wisdom tells us that leaders are the men and women who stand up, speak out, give orders, make plans and are generally the most dominant, outgoing people in a group. But that is not always the case, according to new research on leadership and group dynamics from Wharton management professor Adam Grant and two colleagues, who challenge the assumption that the most effective leaders are extraverts. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:27:40 EST Human Resources http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2436&source=rss Could a simple five-minute interaction with another person dramatically increase your weekly productivity? In some employment environments, the answer is yes, according to Wharton management professor Adam Grant. Grant has devoted significant chunks of his professional career to examining what motivates workers in settings that range from call centers and mail-order pharmacies to swimming pool lifeguard squads. In all these situations, Grant says, employees who know how their work has a meaningful, positive impact on others are not just happier than those who don't; they are vastly more productive, too. Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:36:07 EST Leadership and Change http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2308&source=rss With many of President Obama's key agenda items still unresolved midway through his first year in office, a debate has started to brew over the effectiveness of his leadership strategy and style. Critics say his agenda is too broad and that he is yielding too much authority to Congress. But leadership experts at Wharton suggest that this approach may be necessary, given the multitude of challenges the President inherited when he took the oath of office. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:41:52 EST